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CMHA recognizes the value of family caregivers

March 26th, 2018

Every day, more than 3 million Ontarians provide support to loved ones facing illness, mental health issues, disability or challenges associated with aging. On April 3, CMHA Durham joins organizations and communities across the province for Family Caregiver Day, an annual event to recognize and celebrate the value of caregivers to Ontario’s families, health care system, and economy.

This year, the Ontario Caregiver Coalition is highlighting three generations of caregivers:

Young caregivers. Close to 500,000 family caregivers in Ontario who are between 15 and 24 years old. Many are even younger.

‘Sandwich’ generation caregivers, who provide care for both their aging parents and their own children.

Elderly caregivers. Nearly 375,000 caregivers in Ontario are 65 years and older.

Caregivers may support loved ones with domestic care, emotional support, personal care, and other general care such as translation, transportation and assistance with financial paperwork. Some are not aware that caregiving is distinct from being a good friend, child, parent or spouse.

CMHA recognizes that caregiving is a specific role with unique challenges and solutions. Many caregivers feel socially isolated and may need care and support. CMHA Durham Offers direct service for caregivers where family/caregivers may receive consultation and brief case management services via phone, email, or meetings when requested, and can participate in family/caregivers support groups that provide educational, recreational, and social opportunities. We also co-host Family Education Nights with Durham Mental Health Services and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences on the third thursday of every month.

To raise awareness about the importance of caregivers, members of the public are encouraged to share messages of support on social media using the hashtag #thxcaregivers or sign an online thank you card for caregivers. To help ensure that all Ontarians have access to mental health services and supports when they need it, sign the Erase the Difference petition at erasethedifference.ca.